HR: 1340h
AN: P53B-1254    [Abstracts]
TI: Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets: Programmatic Preparations for Europa Exploration
AU: * Rummel, J D
EM: jrummel@hq.nasa.gov
AF: NASA Headquarters, Science Mission Directorate, Washington, DC 20546, United States
AB: A new era of planetary exploration - and the investigation of whether life exists or has existed beyond Earth - requires the development of biologically relevant instruments capable of extensive, autonomous operations on and below planetary surfaces. In collaboration with other agencies, NASA's Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP) Program sponsors investigations focused on exploring the Earth's extreme environments through use of terrestrial field campaigns to develop a sound technical and scientific basis upon which to conduct a search for life or life-related molecules on other planets. The ASTEP Program is a science-driven exploration program exercising new science and operational/technological capabilities to enable this next generation of planetary exploration. One focus of ASTEP has been preparing for future missions to Europa, where the challenges of mass, power, volume are acute in accomplishing remote exploration, ice penetration, and following the lure of potential ocean-bottom features (~100km down!) such as hydrothermal venting. This poster will discuss the advantages of extreme-environment expeditions in preparing for the exploration of other worlds, and review current and future ASTEP-funded activities that contribute to Europa exploration. In addition, future mission concepts for Earth-based Europa exploration that might be proposed to a future ASTEP opportunity will be envisioned.
DE: 0406 Astrobiology and extraterrestrial materials
DE: 5215 Origin of life
DE: 5462 Polar regions
DE: 6221 Europa
SC: Planetary Sciences [P]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting